Tickets for Concerts, Theatre, Festivals, Sports, Events & Attractions
Joe Bonamassa

Best we have ever seen. Could not recommend highly enough. I just wish the venue would put some restrictions on people leaving and re-entering the theatre whilst the artist is on stage - but even the thoughtlessness of others could not spoil such a fantastic night. Hope he is back in London area VERY soon.

After a long wait to get to see Joe in the flesh, we were not disappointed ! A magical show with guest appearances from Sandie Thom, Bernie Marsden and a young Scottish girl guitarist - it was a masterful exhibition of guitarmanship... It was a joy to hear an artist who appreciates musical dynamics, and can play softly as well as very loud. If you havent seen him, make it a priority - he is brilliant.

Just seen Joe for the first time at Plymouth Pavilions and was BLOWN away. What a talented guitarist and as is often over looked a really good singer. If youre gonna see any act this is the one to see.

Joe Bonamassa at The Guildhall, Southampton, Tuesday 1st December 2009. Set List and Guitars used: Ballad of John Henry (MusicMan Double Neck, 2 humbuckers and a single) Last Kiss (Bigsby) So Many Roads So Its Like That (JB LP with creme plastic) If Heartaches Were Nickels Further On Up The Road (R9 with different controls for bass and treble, like JB LP, flipped neck pickup a la Peter Green) Sloe Gin Lonesome Road Blues (Rossington) Happier Times (Ross. Capo 3) Bridge to Better Days (Firebird) Had To Cry Today The Great Flood (JB LP w/ creme plastic) Woke Up Dreaming (Capo 1) Mountain Time (John Petrucci Music Man) Encores: Ball Peen Hammer (new Music Man double neck, 12 and 6 string, 3 humbuckers on the 6 - but never touch this neck) Just Got Paid/Dazed and Confused Medley (Gibson Flying V) Once again I was privileged to witness another flawless performance by the man I believe to be the greatest exponent of the guitar of our age. And - even better than that, I was able to take photos from the pit! The Guildhall is a great little venue and Joe could have filled twice over. The sound was near perfect for me - clear as a bell and not distorted. Best since Colston Hall and significant improvement on RAH as clearer and less loud. If you havent seen Joe before try to get a ticket and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. I predict it will take you about 30 seconds to realise what you have been missing. For me, Joes acoustic work is just, if not more, interesting, listenable and fascinating to both watch and listen to than his varied electric. But - Sloe Gin was the highlight of the evening for me - totally flawless, effortless and only requiring practice 5 to 8 hours a day for 24 years to perform. How hard could it be? Not sure about the 18 string doubleneck but it was interesting. Loved the gold top, honey burst LP and new albert lee, plus ruby tulip guitars. Interesting new developments in the amps too. Criticism? Well, I missed the RAH Django intro and I always hope to hear 24 Hours again - it takes 20 minutes so maybe we wont, but I can hope! And - I loved Stop! at RAH and Cardiff and was surprised that it was dropped. However, I know this song in particular has been a contravertial choice with the fans - bit like Marmite. I took loads of photos and video clips - with Management approval and full photopass making me feel like rock paparazzi! - first from the pit and then from the crowd you can find them on Youtube or photobucket is you look but better still get yourself along to the next Joe concert in your area and experience him yourself live!!!!!

Over the 38 years that I have been going to gigs, I have had the privilege to see many guitar greats; Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Joe Walsh, David Gilmour and Ritchie Blackmore among them. At the Colston Hall recently, I saw Joe Bonamassa for the first time, and from the fantastic performance that I saw, he deserves to be spoken in the same breath as those players. Opening the show with Rory Gallaghers Cradle Rock, the relentless pace continued throughout almost two and a half hours of the show. Whether playing slide, acoustic or straightforward blues rock, Joe gave a virtuoso performance, backed by an excellent tight band. For me, highlights of the night were spinetingling versions of Sloe Gin and Mountain Time, two songs that have become signatures for Bonamassa. Another highlight was a new song, Slow Train which has the hallmarks of becoming an essential live classic. The icing on the cake was provided in the encore by a snatch of Zeppelins Dazed and Confused, Joe playing a perfect note for note homage to Jimmy Page. As a fan of Led Zeppelin, this was wonderful to see, the new guitar god saluting his roots. This gig took me back to all those gigs that Id been to as a teenager in the seventies, such fun and an audience so appreciative of a great musician. This may have been the first time that Id seen Joe Bonamassa live, but it certainly will not be the last. I cannot recommend him more highly. If you like blues rock, do yourself a favour and go to see Joe Bonamssa live, you will not regret it.